The best traffic-free bike rides in Mills County
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No traffic road cycling routes in Mills County, Iowa, traverse a landscape shaped by the distinctive Loess Hills and the Missouri River valley. This region features a unique topography of wind-deposited silt, creating corrugated hills and varied elevations. Cyclists can explore areas with significant forest and prairie lands, offering diverse backdrops for rides. The terrain provides a mix of challenging climbs within the Loess Hills and flatter sections along the river floodplain.
Best no traffic road cycling routes in Mills County
- The most popular no traffic road cycling route is Big Papio Trail – Big Papio Trail loop from Bellevue Second I Precinct, a 30.5 miles (49.0 km) trail that takes 2 hours 33 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers a consistent ride through varied suburban and natural environments.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Big Papio Trail – Keystone Trail loop from Tregaron Golf, a moderate 40.9 miles (65.7 km) path. This route combines urban parkways with sections alongside natural areas, providing a longer ride with moderate elevation changes.
- Local road cyclists also love the Halleck Park Arboretum loop from Bellevue Second I Precinct, a 20.3 miles (32.7 km) trail leading through parkland and arboretum settings, often completed in about 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Road cycling in Mills County is defined by the unique Loess Hills, the Missouri River valley, and expansive prairie remnants. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging routes with significant elevation.
- The routes in Mills County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from a few reviews. More than 100 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Mills County's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
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56.7km
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130m
130m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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65.7km
03:30
190m
190m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Mills County
Tips from the Community
This popular multi-use trail follows along its namesake creek, connecting numerous parks and neighborhoods. Being multi-use you're likely to encounter walkers, runners, and dogs along the trail so please be courteous to your fellow trail users.
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The multi-use Keystone Trail is an important part of Omaha's urban to rural trail system. Linking many of the areas business districts, parks, and Universities to the surrounding rural areas. Much of the trail follows along Little Papillion Creek, with multiple bridges over the water.
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This is a paved trail that runs north to south along Papillion Creek, offering a great cycle corridor through western Omaha. A short stretch of it (about 2 miles) is built on an old railroad bed.
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This pleasant, paved trail runs right past Seymour Smith Park, making it a great option for cycling north or south along the Papillion Creek corridor. Only a little over two miles of the Keystone Trail actually run over the railbed, but you can still see traces of that heritage in pilings, a lingering trestle, and one massive railroad bridge along the trail's length.
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No path through Bluestem Prairie, but walking path is wide and lovely, just beautiful.
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Would ride it early, especially in summer, as it can get very hot and the amount of shade is pretty low on some sections of the trail.
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The Big Papio Trail follows Big Papillion Creek pretty much the entire time. It's ten miles each direction and is paved the entire way. There are lots of parks and paths to explore off the side of the path if you want to add on to your ride.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available in Mills County?
Mills County offers 8 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 3 easy routes and 5 moderate routes, ensuring a suitable option whether you're looking for a relaxed ride or a more challenging experience.
What kind of terrain can I expect on no-traffic road cycling routes in Mills County?
The no-traffic road cycling routes in Mills County feature diverse terrain. While many routes are on paved surfaces, you'll encounter the unique, corrugated hills of the Loess Hills, offering significant elevation changes and breathtaking scenery. Some routes may incorporate sections of multi-use trails, which could include crushed limestone paths, particularly if they connect to the Wabash Trace Nature Trail.
Are there any easy no-traffic road cycling routes for beginners or families?
Yes, Mills County has 3 easy no-traffic road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. An example is the Halleck Park Arboretum loop from Bellevue Second I Precinct, which covers about 32 km with minimal elevation gain, providing a pleasant and accessible ride.
What are some of the longer no-traffic road cycling routes in Mills County?
For those seeking longer rides, Mills County offers several moderate no-traffic routes. The Bluestem Prairie Preserve – Hastings Banner Park loop from Offutt Air Force Base is one of the longest, stretching approximately 70 km. Another substantial option is the Beautiful wall painting – Halleck Park Arboretum loop from Tregaron Golf, at around 67 km.
Can I find loop routes among the no-traffic road cycling options?
Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes in Mills County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Big Papio Trail – Big Papio Trail loop from Bellevue Second I Precinct and the Big Papio Trail – Keystone Trail loop from Tregaron Golf, providing convenient circular journeys.
What natural features or viewpoints can I expect along these routes?
Riding in Mills County means you'll experience the stunning Loess Hills, offering breathtaking scenery and panoramic views, especially from areas like Folsom Point Preserve. Many routes traverse or offer glimpses of the Missouri River valley, forests, and prairies. The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway itself provides picturesque backdrops for your ride.
Are there any multi-use trails that connect with road cycling routes?
Yes, the famous Wabash Trace Nature Trail, which spans 25 miles within Mills County, is a significant multi-use trail. While parts are crushed limestone, it's popular for biking and offers views of the Loess Hills. Some road cycling routes may incorporate or connect to sections of this trail, or other multi-use paths within parks like the Glenwood Archeological State Preserve.
What is the best time of year for no-traffic road biking in Mills County?
Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for no-traffic road biking in Mills County, with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions can vary.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about no-traffic routes in Mills County?
The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic road cycling routes in Mills County, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the unique beauty of the Loess Hills, the peacefulness of the dedicated routes, and the variety of options available for different fitness levels.
Are there any specific parks or preserves that offer good no-traffic cycling opportunities?
Beyond dedicated routes, parks like the Glenwood Archeological State Preserve offer multi-use trails suitable for biking across its 907 acres, featuring diverse landscapes including forest, oak savanna, and native prairie. While not exclusively road cycling, these areas provide excellent opportunities for traffic-free exploration.
Where can I find more information about the Loess Hills region?
For additional details about the unique geology and attractions of the Loess Hills region, including Mills County, you can visit visitloesshills.org.
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